But her self-control was perfect, her empire over self complete. She knew, with a man like this, violence, coercion was useless. And that moment of all others was not the one for recrimination or reproach.
She was white to the lips as she looked at him, but she said simply:
"I am to give up coming with you in order to take care of Sybil. Is that it?"
"That is the letter of it, the spirit is that you stay behind in camp because I have wished you to do so."
Unconsciously his tone was cold and commanding. He felt the intense vibration of resentment and indignation that went through her as plainly as if an assagai was shaken before his face, and he was enraged at the whole situation. For a second they both looked at each other in silence, and, as so often before, the girl felt that, if he chose, he had every right to command. To a man of inferior physical aspect, to one who had less influence on her senses, she could not in that moment of intense disappointment, of revolt and outraged feeling, have submitted. As it was, after that moment of silent rebellion, she laid down her rifle and turned away.
"There is no more to be said then: I will stay," she answered, in a low tone.
Everest's face softened. He followed her and put his arm round her neck.
"Dear little girl, you think me a brute, don't you? I will give up the expedition myself and stay with you. Do you wish me to do that?"
Regina looked up at him, her eyes were full of hot blinding tears.